1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 343 (70 HP) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 22 kg more than 1974 Volvo 343.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1974 Volvo 343 (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 1974 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1978 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1978 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 131 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 70 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2400 mm |
